Exciting Rafting Adventure in Bali, Complete Location Guide and Tips

Rafting in Bali is one of the most exciting adventures that adrenaline lovers must try.

With stunning natural scenery, rivers in Bali such as the Ayung River and Telaga Waja River offer a challenging yet refreshing rafting experience. Not only does it test your courage, but it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy Bali's nature from a different perspective.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide to rafting activities in Bali, including the best routes, difficulty levels, and safety tips. Let's read more and find an unforgettable exciting experience while on vacation in Bali.

Best Rafting Locations in Bali

Each river in Bali offers different challenges and natural beauty, so it is important to choose a rafting location that suits your desires and abilities.

Some of the best Bali rafting locations that you can visit include:

1. Ayung River

Ayung River, known as the longest river in Bali, is about 68.5 km long and flows through several regencies, including Bangli, Badung, Gianyar, and the city of Denpasar, before emptying into the Badung Strait in Sanur.

Ayung River is suitable for beginners and intermediate rafters, with rapids that can reach heights of around 4 meters in some parts.

The scenery along the rafting route is very beautiful, with green forests and stone carvings depicting the story of the Ramayana.

The location of Ayung rafting is close to the Ubud tourist center, only about 10 km, making it easily accessible for visitors who want to enjoy adventure as well as the natural beauty of Bali.

2. Telaga Waja River

If you are looking for a bigger challenge, the Telaga Waja River, which originates on the slopes of Mount Agung and flows through Rendang District, Karangasem Regency, could be an option.

With a rafting track length of around 17 kilometers, Telaga Waja offers a challenging rafting experience with rapid difficulty levels between class II to IV.

Rafting on the Telaga Waja River usually takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on water conditions and the speed of the group.

One of the main attractions of Telaga Waja is its natural beauty; visitors can enjoy views of green rice fields, steep cliffs, and waterfalls that add to the adventurous atmosphere along the river.

3. Sky River

Melangit River is located in Klungkung Regency, Bali, and is known as a popular location for white water rafting activities. This river is about 7.5 kilometers long with a rafting duration of about 1 hour 15 minutes.

The difficulty level of the rapids on the Melangit River is classified as class III-IV, which makes it attractive for adventure enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the Melangit River offers beautiful natural scenery, including fresh rainforests and fast currents. There are 37 slopes along the river, with the highest slope reaching 3 meters, providing additional challenges for rafting participants.

This location is accessible with a travel time of around 1 hour 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport or 50 minutes from Ubud, making it an easily accessible option for tourists who want to experience a thrilling rafting experience in Bali.

Rafting Packages in Bali

In Bali, there are many local operators offering rafting packages with various package prices and facilities tailored to various tourist needs. The various types of Bali rafting packages include:

1. Ayung River Rafting

With intermediate rapids, Ayung Rafting Ubud is suitable for all levels, including beginners. The majestic cliff views, stone carvings, and green forests along the river add to its appeal.

• Location : Jl. Raya Kedewatan Ubud Gianyar Bali, Kedewatan, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia

• Duration : Approximately 2 hours

• Facilities : Standard rafting equipment, private boat, changing room, locker, shower, towels, restaurant, and buffet lunch.

• Price : Rp. 320,000 per person

2. Telaga Waja Rafting

Telaga Waja River in Karangasem offers a more challenging rafting experience with faster rapids and longer courses.

• Location : Karangasem, Bali

• Duration : Approximately 3 hours with a track length of 17 km

• Facilities : Rafting equipment, guide, towels, liquid soap, shower, changing room, toilet, and restaurant.

• Price : Rp. 370,000 per person

3. Sky Rafting

Rafting on the Melangit River offers its own challenges with higher rapids and shorter routes. However, this experience is very adrenaline-pumping with more natural scenery and winding paths.

• Location : Klungkung, Bali

• Duration : Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

• Facilities : International standard rafting equipment, towels, lockers, changing rooms, and shower facilities.

• Price : Rp. 340,000 per person

Read Also: Exciting Adventures to 10 Enchanting Waterfalls in Bali

Tips and Preparation Before Rafting

Before rafting, here are some tips and preparations that need to be done:

1. Body Must Be Fit

Make sure your body is healthy and fit. Whitewater rafting requires optimal energy and stamina to face the challenges that may arise.

2. Comfortable Clothing

Wear comfortable and water-absorbent clothing. Shorts and cotton t-shirts are good choices. Mountain flip-flops are also recommended to avoid slippers being carried away by the river current.

3. Appropriate Equipment

Use appropriate equipment such as a protective helmet and life jacket when rafting. Make sure the life jacket is comfortable and fits your body, and the protective helmet is not too tight or loose.

4. Warm up

Warm up before rafting. This can help avoid muscle and tendon injuries while paddling and resisting the river current.

5. Correct Sitting Position

Sit on the edge of the rubber boat and clamp your feet on the bottom of the boat to avoid being rocked and increase safety.

6. How to Hold the Paddle Correctly

Use the paddle correctly. Hold the paddle with a strong hand and do not grip it too tightly, as this can injure yourself or others.

The correct way to hold the paddle is with one hand gripping the bottom of the handle and the other hand on the top end of the T-Grip handle.

7. River Swimming Techniques

Learn the technique of swimming in the river, especially if you fall out of the boat. Do not panic and look for your boat or swim to the river bank if necessary. Press your feet on the surface of the water to see if there are rocks in front of you or not and hold them with your feet.

Best Time for Rafting in Bali

Rafting in Bali can be done all year round, but choosing the right time can improve the quality of your experience. The significant differences between rafting in the rainy season and the dry season are:

Rainy Season (October - March)

The advantage of rafting during the rainy season is that the river flow tends to be faster, which increases the difficulty level and adrenaline. Bigger rapids provide a more challenging rafting experience, perfect for those looking for an action-packed adventure.

However, there are also challenges to be aware of. The current that is too strong can sometimes be dangerous, especially for beginners.

Continuous rain can also reduce visibility and make the track slippery. So, always make sure you coordinate with the local rafting operator for safety.

Dry Season (April - September)

In the dry season, the river current is calmer and more controlled, making the rafting experience more relaxing and suitable for families or beginners.

The view around the river is also clearer with brighter weather. However, for those of you who are looking for more challenges, rafting in the dry season may be less satisfying because of the lower level of rapids.

Ideal Time for Rafting

The best time to start rafting is in the morning, around 9 to 10 a.m. This is the time when the temperature is still cool and the sun is not too hot.

In addition, starting early also gives you more time to enjoy other activities after rafting.

Rafting for Beginners vs. Professionals

It is known that rafting is a water sport that can be enjoyed by all groups, both beginners and professionals, with each level offering a different experience.

To find out, here are some differences and tips to pay attention to for these two groups:

Rafting for Beginners

For beginners, the main goal is to get to know and enjoy the sensation of rafting without facing too difficult currents. Here are some important aspects:

1. Difficulty Level of Rapids

Beginners are advised to choose rivers with level 1 to 2 rapids, where the river flow is calmer and the rapids are not too extreme. For example, rafting on the Ayung River because the rapids are relatively easy to deal with.

2. Duration and Safety

Beginner rafting packages offer shorter durations, making them more manageable. Safety instructions are also given in more detail, including how to hold the paddle and what to do if you fall in the water.

3. Facilities and Supervision

Beginner rafting operators often provide standard equipment and more involved guides, ensuring safety and comfort during your rafting adventure. You will always be accompanied by an experienced guide who is ready to help at any time.

Rafting for Professionals

For professionals or those with experience, rafting is a challenge that requires more technical skills and courage:

1. Difficulty Level of Rapids

A professional can choose rapids with levels 3 to 5, which offer rapids, big rapids, and more difficult technical maneuvers. Telaga Waja River and Melangit River are two locations in Bali that are very challenging for professionals.

2. Duration and Technical Challenges

Rafting for professionals often lasts longer with longer routes and rapids that vary in difficulty, requiring greater physical strength and endurance.

3. Maneuvers and Reaction Speed

Professionals must be able to quickly navigate more technical rapids, control their paddles efficiently, and work as a team to avoid danger.

Bali Rafting, An Unforgettable Adventure

From the Ayung River, suitable for beginners, to the more challenging Telaga Waja River and Melangit River for professionals, each location provides an adventure that combines Bali's natural beauty with adrenaline rushes.

The available rafting packages also allow you to choose facilities that suit your needs and budget.

With so many options, rafting in Bali is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the island while experiencing the thrill of water adventure. To add comfort to your trip, be sure to rent a scooter Bali at Cinchy.

AtCinchy, we provide new, well-maintained motorbikes, giving you peace of mind during your holiday. Whether you want to explore rafting spots or other exciting destinations in Bali, renting a scooter Bali from Cinchy is the ideal solution.